Thomas Robert Ruud is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). At 6'3" 223 lb, he played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1972-74. At the 1975 NFL draft, Ruud was selected in the first round by the Buffalo Bills. He played three seasons with the Bills and two with the Cincinnati Bengals.